[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 22034]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I regret that, due to a doctor's appointment 
yesterday, I was unable to vote on H.R. 6314, a bill extending certain 
authorities to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out important 
services that assist America's veterans, and H.R. 864, the Sober Truth 
on Preventing Underage Drinking Act.
  Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on the motion to 
suspend the rules and agree to both H.R. 6314 and H.R. 864. Veterans 
who have fought to preserve the freedom and liberty enjoyed in this 
country deserve our relentless support and commitment. I will continue 
to show this commitment and pursue legislation such as my bill, The 
Healthy Vets Act, which would require the VA Secretary to contract with 
local doctors and hospitals on a case-by-case basis to provide medical 
services including primary care for those veterans who live far away 
from VA facilities.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my position 
regarding H.R. 6314 and look forward to fostering efforts to improve 
the lives of veterans and their families.

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